On Sunday 1 October 2017 seven young people and four adults were confirmed. It was an opportunity that I will never forget!
We had some confirmation classes on the two Mondays and the Saturday before the service, led by Ian our Vicar, Jess, Jo and Catherine. They were fun and we learnt a lot about prayer: when we do it, how we do it and where we do it. Even though I was the only boy it was fine as it was a great way to make friends with the girls.
On the actual day of the service I felt nervous but also excited. I had grandparents, cousins, my auntie, my godfather and lots of friends there to support me. The church had a great atmosphere with families and friends of the other candidates and the full choir. We were lucky to have Bishop Libby, who was the very first female Bishop in the Church of England and who lives locally. She was very supportive and interested in us all.
During the service some of us were interviewed by Jess and Catherine about why we were here. I explained that I wanted to be confirmed following my trip this year to New Wine, where I really enjoyed all the youth seminars and met a lot of other friends who had a strong faith.
India Lord was baptised and then we were confirmed by the Bishop, which involved her making a cross on each of our heads and giving us all a blessing. The service ended with us having holy communion for the first time. Afterwards there were homemade cakes which went down extremely well. I would like to thank all the team and the Bishop who helped us throughout the classes and the service.
Ben Wood, aged 12